The impact of mobile phones on survey measurement error

Publication type

Journal Article

Authors

Publication date

June 1, 2013

Summary:

We propose a framework of ways in which the different context of mobile interviews—such as multi-tasking, distraction, and the presence of others—and differences inherent in the technology can influence survey responses. The framework also highlights the mechanisms through which these influences operate. We evaluate selected elements of the framework using data from a randomized experiment in which respondents were interviewed by mobile or landline. Measures of interview context were gathered via interviewer evaluation, respondent perception, and direct questioning. We find less social desirability bias with mobile phone interviews, but overall only small differences between mobile and landline interviews.

Published in

Public Opinion Quarterly

Volume and page numbers

Volume: 77 , p.586 -605

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfs046

ISSN

33362

Subjects

Notes

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